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March 2009 Notable Toys — AllRequiring no reading from its players, Qwirkle is a simple-to-learn but stimulating game based around matching the attributes of the game play tiles. Players build rows and columns by placing tiles adjacent to tiles they share an attribute with (shape or color), and score bonus points if they can think ahead and put a tile down touching multiple other tiles. While the game is easy to understand, a good eye and quick thinking make Qwirkle challenging enough for a wide range of ages to play together. Awards: 2011 Speiele des Jahres (German game of the year). ― “We sell a lot of Qwirkle,” Sue Banducci said of popular games in her Danville, Calif., store, Games Unlimited. “Qwirkle was best-selling over Christmas,” said Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., in January 2009. ― When asked about his top-selling games in early 2009, Tye Steinbach of Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore. told TDmonthly, “It was probably Qwirkle. We're not huge gamers in our family, but it's really fun.” — Four of 44 specialty retailers named Qwirkle as a best seller in late fall 2009. Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo., sells about 10 Qwirkle games per month, Manager Holly Anvers told TDmonthly. — As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 483 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 6 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Exciting; intellectually stimulating, easy to learn. Cons: Some said it took too long to play; only had 3 reviews less than 3 stars, however. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22437 (added 2/9/2009) .  Based on the sizes and shapes of standard unit blocks, these blocks feature hand-scrolled and turned detailing that turns block towers into buildings with archways, buttresses and columns. These blocks are smooth-sanded hardwood with a natural finish, and come packed in a wooden crate for storage. The set contains 44 pieces in 11 shapes. ― “Wooden blocks by Melissa & Doug” are best-selling wooden toys, Marianne Kearns, owner of Second Star to the Right in Bridgehampton, N.Y., told TDmonthly in January 2009. She said she sells an average of eight sets per month. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22436 (added 2/9/2009) . A super-smooth ring secures a small wheeled duck that rocks as the clutching toy is moved. Just the right size to be easy for a little hand to hold, the ring is intended for tactile stimulation or teething, while the cute duck character and pleasant colors engage the eyes. It is made in Germany and finished with non-toxic paints. ― “Anything from HABA overall in the wooden toy market” does well, said Nancy Nigl, owner of Playthings in Madison, Wis. ― “Haba's clutching toy and rattles. It's our No. 1 best-selling toy,” Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., told TDmonthly in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22434 (added 2/9/2009) .  Painted in a whimsical style, this 24-piece jigsaw puzzle features a host of sea creatures, from whales and sharks to anemones and starfish. The wooden pieces lie in their frame once assembled to keep the image and pieces together. ― “Wooden puzzles by Melissa & Doug. Weekly we sell a wide variety of them,” said Chuck Harper, owner of Explorations Toys in Granger, Ind. ― “We literally sell thousands through the year,” remarked Fred Meyer, owner of Meyer's Toy World in Battle Creek, Mich. ― Also in early 2009, another retailer reported sales of 200 to 300 Melissa & Doug puzzles per month. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22433 (added 2/9/2009) . Healthy breakfast, refreshing snack-time treat? Whatever the occasion, kids can cut into this 17 piece set of bright colored wood fruits, such as kiwis, oranges and a big slice of melon. Velcro rounds between the segments serve the dual purpose of holding the uncut fruit together and creating a satisfying crunch sound as the included wooden knife slices right through. It comes with a wooden crate in which to store the food. ― “Anything Melissa & Doug. Play food is probably the best,” Linda Hanzelko, owner of Timmy's Toy Chest in Lake Mary, Fla., told TDmonthly regarding best-selling wooden toys. ― “All wooden cutting food from Melissa & Doug” sells well, added William Bingham, owner of Firefly Toy Shop in Milford, Pa. ― Seven of 56 retailers surveyed said cutting food was a top-selling wooden toy. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22432 (added 2/9/2009) .  Made in the United States from sustainable basswood grown in Michigan, Uncle Goose's Nursery Rhyme Blocks give a whimsical twist to standard block play. The set of nine 1 1/3” cube-shaped blocks are embossed and painted with classic children's nursery rhymes. Two sides feature scenes in silhouette, while the other four feature the words to the rhyme itself, encouraging early reading and memory skills. Rhymes included with Set A are “Little Jack Horner,” “Three Little Kittens,” “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,” “Old Mother Hubbard,” “Humpty Dumpty,” “Diddle Diddle Dumpling,” “Little Boy Blue,” “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” and “Old King Cole.” ― “I'd say blocks, and the manufacturer is Uncle Goose,” Rebecca Pfeil, owner of Timeless Toys in Homer, Alaska, told TDmonthly about best-selling wooden items. ― Sandra Bartholomew, owner of Wingdoodle in Warner, N.H., told TDmonthly her best-selling wooden toy is “wood blocks, the basic kind.” ― Ten percent of 56 retailers said blocks were a top-selling wood item in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22431 (added 2/9/2009) . Talking Railway “The Great Discovery” Set From: LEARNING CURVE Other products from LEARNING CURVE
 Modeled after the DVD of the same title, the Great Discovery set offers a wide variety of experiences. After building the wide figure-8 of track, kids can act out the familiar story, or stories out of their own imaginations, with two talking engines and two talking destinations that actually recognize which engine has just approached them. Unique phrases at each destination greet the engines with salutations or instructions from the merry conductor, Sir Topham Hatt. ― “Thomas and Friends wooden train pieces by RC2,” are best-selling wooden toys for Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass. ― Buddy Wood, owner of Le Jouet in Metairie, La., said he sells between 75 and 100 Thomas the Tank Engine pieces per month. ― Thirteen percent of 56 retailers named wooden railway as a top seller in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22430 (added 2/9/2009) .  This 24-piece all-wood kit features a plethora of nails, screws, nuts, bolts and panels for preschoolers to pretend-play all kinds of building and repair projects. The primary-colored tote serves as tidy storage and a pounding bench, making it easy to transport the toolbox to wherever work might need to be done. ― “Melissa & Doug sells well,” Amy Akin, manager of Giggles for Kids in Suwanee, Ga., told TDmonthly when asked about wooden toys. ― “The quality of the product is so good, and the pricing,” said Sue Banducci, co-owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22429 (added 2/9/2009) . A simple rolling push toy, the Walk N Roll features an elegant, sturdy structure and brightly colored bars that form the rolling barrel. Inside, a loose ball rattles against the interior panels as a toddler pushes, or pulls, the toy along with her first steps. The Walk N Roll is made of rubber wood, a sustainable resource, and non-toxic, vegetable-based inks. ― “Plan toys, probably specifically their Walk N Roll,” Jeff Oslick, owner of The Enchanted Toy Store in Fullerton, Calif., told TDmonthly of his store’s best-selling wooden items. ― “We carry a lot of their line,” added Teneen Dobbs, owner of Kits and Kaboodle in Carmel, Ind. ― Twenty percent of 56 retailers named Plan Toys as their best-selling line of wooden toys in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22428 (added 2/9/2009) .  These trucks are sized just right for little hands, and are a great first vehicle for little kids. They have smooth, soft edges and working parts, and are dishwasher safe. — This “little guy” truck was named by Kazoo & Company Owner Diana Nelson as a best seller in her store in January of 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22427 (added 2/9/2009) .  This soft, fleecy white lamb produces sheep sounds when squeezed. — This little lamb is a top-selling toy at Kazoo & Company in Denver, Owner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly in early 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22426 (added 2/9/2009) . This vinyl apron gives kids the freedom to be creative without worrying moms about the mess that results. It ties behind the neck and includes three oversized pockets in the front for supplies. — This art apron was on the list of best sellers at Kazoo & Company in Denver at the beginning of 2009, Storeowner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22425 (added 2/9/2009) . Wholesale Price: (Log in to view) Age Range: 1 and up Launch Date: February 2009 Gender: Boys And Girls
The Breadheads, Personalized Learning Cartoon is a personalized learning cartoon where a child's name will be heard 50 times throughout the educational DVD cartoon. Designed to have children sitting and dancing in front of the TV, learning and hearing their own name ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22424 (added 2/9/2009) . The SandSac™ is and eco-friendly, foldable travel beach pail. Made from 100% cotton canvas with a bamboo shovel, it is an alternative to the traditional plastic shovel and pail. The SandSac™ is also customizable using fabric markers, paints, or applied accessories. Machine washable and can be folded and stored away until its next use. Comes in three sizes and is sold individually or as a set of two. Also included are four fabric markers. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22422 (added 2/9/2009) .
Hobby-Bike, a learning bicycle for children with a removable drive system (crank, pedals,chain, etc.), allows for two modes of operation: learning and riding. The bicycle's primary purpose in the learning mode (without drive system) is to teach young children the basic skills (balancing, braking and control) needed to ride a bicycle without the use of training wheels. Without the pedal system it is lighter and easier for a child to maintain balance and steer. Once these skills are mastered, the drive system is fastened and the bicycle is ready for use in the riding mode. The Hobby plush toy serves as the handlebars protective padding to protect the child from direct impact with the handlebar. Available in red, blue, yellow, and pink. Comes with a comfortable saddle and pneumatic rubber tires, making rough and bumpy paths comfortable for the rider. Awards: Mom's Best Award 2010 ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22419 (added 2/9/2009) . 
Hobby-Bike, a learning bicycle for children with a removable drive system (crank, pedals,chain, etc.), allows for two modes of operation: learning and riding. The bicycle's primary purpose in the learning mode (without drive system) is to teach young children the basic skills (balancing, braking and control) needed to ride a bicycle without the use of training wheels. Without the pedal system it is lighter and easier for a child to maintain balance and steer. Once these skills are mastered, the drive system is fastened and the bicycle is ready for use in the riding mode. The Hobby plush toy serves as the handlebars protective padding to protect the child from direct impact with the handlebar. Available in red, blue, yellow, and pink. Comes with a comfortable saddle and pneumatic rubber tires, making rough and bumpy paths comfortable for the rider. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22418 (added 2/9/2009) . The AdoraPet Puppies DVD shows 5 puppies, Watson, Bela, Dart, Oliver and Raleigh, playing and romping, set to beautiful music. Suitable for all ages, the DVD is 40 minutes long and will delight children and parents. Minimum retail price of $12.99. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22417 (added 2/9/2009) . Age Range: 5 to 7 SKU or Item #: 602086 Gender: Boys And Girls
Intro to Engineering is part of the Little Labs line, which is intended to be the portal through which children ages five to seven first begin to explore and appreciate science. Intro the Engineering introduces young children to the field of engineering with 25 experiments in five sections. Children learn engineering basics with experiments on levers, forces, and pulleys. They explore engineering on land by building vehicles with wheels; engineering in the air with a helicopter, a parachute, and a glider; and engineering in the water with a diving bell, a sailboat, and a paddleboat. They even find engineering at home, with experiments modeling the telephone and television (without breaking them, of course). This kit has a 48-page, full-color experiment manual, and a retail price of $34.95. Available summer 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22412 (added 2/6/2009) . Age Range: 8 and up SKU or Item #: 600001 Launch Date: September 2009 Gender: Boys And Girls
The Dangerous Book for Boys: Electronics presents information on electronics every child should know through fun, engaging, and impressive experiments and activities. Children ages eight and up learn how to construct simple electronic toys, such as a joy buzzer and insect. It comes with a 32-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $35.95. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22411 (added 2/6/2009) . Fuel Cell 10: 10th Anniversary Car & Experiment Kit From: THAMES & KOSMOS Other products from THAMES & KOSMOS
 Age Range: 10 and up SKU or Item #: 620318 Gender: Boys And Girls
Targeted for ages ten and up, this edition enables a younger audience to experience one of the most significant technologies of the early 21st Century — especially appropriate in the midst of our auto industry crisis and global energy situation. By constructing and operating a unique reversible hydrogen fuel cell, powered by water and sunlight, children build a model car that actually runs on water! And in so doing, they join auto manufacturers in experimenting with a technology that will power not only automobiles, but electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones. This new edition has a beautifully redesigned car body with a display stand and a rewritten 64-page, full-color experiment manual, and retails for $169.95. Available fall 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22410 (added 2/6/2009) . Age Range: 10 and up SKU or Item #: 626114 Gender: Boys And Girls
As a follow-up to the bestselling Power House kit comes Power House Green Essentials Edition, targeted towards a younger audience of ages 10 and up. This kit teaches children about the timely issues of alternative energy and sustainable living, by conducting 30 experiments and building ten energy-related models: the power house itself, a greenhouse, a solar cell array, a passive solar collector, a solar oven, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a hydrometer, a lemon battery, and a wind power generator. They can even sow seeds in the greenhouse! The kit comes with a 64-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $89.95. Available now. — “Most anything from Thames & Kosmos, like the Power House, Wind Power [and] Creative Cosmetics,” sells well for education, according to Patti Tepper Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, Okla. — Three of 40 retailers mentioned science kits by Thames & Kosmos when discussing best-selling educational items in fall 2009. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22409 (added 2/6/2009) . Wholesale Price: (Log in to view) Age Range: 12 and up SKU or Item #: 1010 Launch Date: July 2009 Gender: Boys And Girls
Get ready to touch, time, see, balance, bluff, listen, locate and laugh your way through this outrageous game! Teams race to perform all kinds of fun, easy to play challenges spread over ten sense-ational categories. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22405 (added 2/6/2009) . Glowberry Bears - Dusty McStardust From: BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC Other products from BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC
A bookworm to the core, this tan Glowberry Bear always wants to know more. When he’s not reading, he yearns to explore, and see which adventure is behind the next door. The Glowberry Bears are 12-inch soft plush, adorable daytime friends; at night they are huggable, cuddly, night-lights. The Glowberry Bears glow and giggle if their tummies are rubbed. A squeeze of their left paw and they become a cuddly night-light. The Glowberry Bears can actually talk to kids and when two Glowberry Bears are in the same proximity they talk to each other! ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22404 (added 2/6/2009) . Glowberry Bears - Summer Lightly From: BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC Other products from BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC
 Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, she’s always giggling and having a ball. This yellow Glowberry Bear is kind from head to toe, both her tummy and her personality glow. The Glowberry Bears are 12-inch soft plush, adorable daytime friends; at night they are huggable, cuddly, night-lights. The Glowberry Bears glow and giggle if their tummies are rubbed. A squeeze of their left paw and they become a cuddly night-light. The Glowberry Bears can actually talk to kids and when two Glowberry Bears are in the same proximity they talk to each other! ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22403 (added 2/6/2009) . Glowberry Bears - Twinkles From: BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC Other products from BURGESS PRODUCTS, INC
 Twinkles is pink and just the kind of Glowberry Bear you’d think. She’s pretty and kind, and witty you’ll find. Besides her incredible ability to sing, the other Glowberry Bears will tell you she knows everything. The Glowberry Bears are 12-inch soft plush, adorable daytime friends; at night they are huggable, cuddly, night-lights. The Glowberry Bears glow and giggle if their tummies are rubbed. A squeeze of their left paw and they become a cuddly night-light. The Glowberry Bears can actually talk to kids and when two Glowberry Bears are in the same proximity they talk to each other! ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22402 (added 2/6/2009) .
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